New member intro!
Hi Everyone!
My name is Erin, and I'm new here. I'm currently investigating WLS and trying to learn all I can. I live in Ontario, and have had my GP refer me to the Ontario Bariatric Network. I'm in the process of waiting for my info package to come and to complete with all the forms that come with that.
A little about me. I'm a Registered Nurse and Mom of 2, an 8 year old girl and 6 month old boy. I've struggled with my weight for a long time. I'm in my mid-thirties, I'm 5'6" and 269lbs at last check, so my BMI is 43.something. The last time I lost any weight, I was pregnant, mostly because I had HORRIBLE morning sickness (read: ALL THE DANG TIME sickness). I lost 20lbs, but my little man was born healthy. Since he was born I've gained back 17lbs. I think the last time I was a "healthy" weight I was a young teen.
My journey towards choosing to pursue WLS began about 3 years ago. My husband (fiancé at the time) was concerned that I might have sleep apnea. I went to my GP and got referred for a sleep study. I didn't have sleep apnea, but the sleep specialist I saw was Dr. Glazer who seriously suggested that I lose some weight to help improve my sleep. I agreed, though at my 6 month follow up, I hadn't lost a thing. I had probably gained. At this point Dr. Glazer suggested I look into the Bariatric program here in Ontario. At the time I was interested in the non-surgical program that was offered. After some time and mulling it over, I went to my GP and had a referral made to the medical program, and after about 9 months of waiting I received the info to be able to participate. Unfortunately at that point I had just found out I was pregnant, so that was a no go. So I continued on my life. Keeping up what I had been doing for years; trying to be more active, but struggling to manage, as well as trying to eat better, only to sabotage myself with my crazy appetite. I just never feel like I'm full or satisfied.
Anyways fast forward about a year and one new baby. My husband has sleep apnea and is a bigger guy. His sleep specialist is recommending that he investigate the bariatric program as well to lose weight at his recent appointment in early August. When he told me this it put the bug back in my ear and the wheels got turning. Things are getting hard to do. My knees always hurt (I have really crappy knees, I've dislocated both knee caps in the past). I had a hard time fitting through the baby gate we have to keep the dog out of the cat litter (our deep freeze lives in the same room as the cat litter). I can't run with my kid. I'm always having to sit down. Heck, I get sore standing long enough to do the dishes. Then the straw that broke the camels back happened, well really, it wasn't a back it was a stool. I was attempting to put something up high and standing on a step stool and it literally shattered under me. I laughed at the time, but in my heart I cried. Really, what had happened to me? My husband tried to make me feel better by saying "It wasn't designed to hold people our size" and that just pushed me over then edge. I though "THAT IS IT! I'm doing this!". I don't want to have to worry about my weight and how it restricts me. I don't want to have to search for a stool, or a lawn chair or whatever that will support me. I don't want that to be something I need to worry about any more.
So one GP appointment later and I'm here. My first steps are taken, and we will see where it goes from here. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about how the process works here in Ontario, the different surgeries and how they affect people, and as much as I can about nutrition and supplements after surgery because I know those are so important.
I'd really welcome whatever information you can share with me and I'd love to hear about your experiences. It is so interesting to hear peoples stories. I can't wait to talk to you all!
